Don't fall for Labour's rhetoric: act now to shape the future

The only argument left to justify a vote for Labour at the next election is to warn that a victory for the Tories will mean a return to the brutal policies of Margaret Thatcher.

So chancellor Alistair Darling tells us that the Tories are “relishing the chance to swing the axe at public services”. He wants us to forget he is committed to cutting services and is promising to halve the budget deficit over the next four years.

Whoever wins the next election will attack services. But this is not simply about the future. The fire, post, education and other key services are facing deep cuts now.

The outcome of the fights against these can shape the future. The victory at Tower Hamlets College (see back page) can act as an inspiration to others who are resisting similar attacks.

The biggest battle looms over the future of the post, with fire services next in line.

Socialists should be spreading the word about the Tower Hamlets victory, building support for the Leeds bin workers and helping postal workers win their battle.